Bill > SF1471

This bill amends Minnesota education statutes to establish a more proactive process for addressing student withdrawals and encouraging reenrollment. Currently, a student can be dropped from school rolls after 15 consecutive days of absence, but this bill adds new requirements to help prevent permanent educational disengagement. Specifically, when a school district removes a student from its attendance roll due to excessive absences, it must notify the Department of Education with the student's contact information. The school must also attempt to contact the student's family to encourage reenrollment. Additionally, the Department of Education is now tasked with taking an active role in the reenrollment process. This includes notifying the family about county and community resources that can support the student's return to school, informing them of their right to reenroll, and exploring alternative educational opportunities. The department may also collaborate with county attorneys to help reenroll the student. These provisions aim to reduce chronic absenteeism and ensure that students do not fall through the cracks of the educational system. The bill will become effective on July 1, 2025, giving schools and the Department of Education time to prepare for implementation.

Education

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1471&ssn=0&y=2025